Let’s recap from
In the last part, we looked at the first part of this scripture Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God
I shared that Jesus taught a lot of the kingdom of God. How it was not of this world and took a completely different mindset to grasp. Also to see it, it took being born again which is key to understanding the scripture above.
John 3:3
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
I continued with how Paul beautifully describes what this transformation of the mind looks like in
Romans 12:2
Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.
Verse one tells us how
Romans 12:1
Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.
So through Surrendering, our total life’s and will to God. The ultimate act of worship, which we call salvation. We are born again. It is interesting when Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment. He started at the same place. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (Mark 12:30) Because the 10 commandments were not only an amazing step by step to being holy. But also to reveal the Fathers nature, not simply a list of rules to follow, but a way to enter His presence ! Remember the Lord wanted to speak to his people in Exodus. But they said ‘no’ as they were afraid and asked that the Lord then speak through Mose’s to them. So yet another moment that created separation between God and man ! Many more times the Lord tried to restore this relationship with His people. With the occasional faithful few he succeeded. Like David, Abraham and Esther,. But God searched for a way for all ! Then we finished with God’s overall plan with the greatest of sacrifice and no guarantee found in
John 3:16-17
For this is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.
“God did not send his Son into the world to judge and condemn the world, but to be its Savior and rescue it!
So now we have laid the foundation for the first part of this verse we started with, let’s add the next part to it.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
This is were I use to stop and associate this scripture with
Romans 14:17
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
So hence I thought, that Jesus was revealing the way to enter the kingdom of God was by focusing or giving greater importance on righteousness.
Which has some significance!
This is where the Lord stop me and asked a question !
Who is His righteousness?
I said “Jesus”
He said “What was His most righteous act ?”
I said “Choosing to sacrifice His life on the cross, being without sin. Then choosing to take upon himself the sin of the world instead and pay the debt in full”
So intern opening up a way, for us to be righteous in front of the Father, Through the gift of His righteousness!
So then the Lord said this verse could read
“But seek first the kingdom of God through Jesus”
Or
“But seek first the kingdom of God through Jesus. Because of His victory on the cross”
I said “yes Lord it could that’s amazing”
So now let’s look at the last part of this verse, as it now makes even more sense I believe.
and all these things shall be added to you.
Do you remember Jesus telling his disciples a very similar thing ! John 14:14
If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
Why and how is this possible ?
The answer is found in the verse before
John 14:12-13
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
So I believe our scripture , we have been looking at in this series could read.
But seek first the kingdom of God through Jesus. Because of His victory on the cross and all these things shall be added to you.
In fact in the passion translation it says just this
Matthew 6:33
“So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly.
Now that is powerful, beautiful and doorway to enter the kingdom of God.
But wait there is more ! What are all this things that can be added to us or are awaiting for us ?
I believe these things are ‘His will’, for every situation or circumstance !
The answer to every question He is answering !
So why does the above scripture call these things, ‘less important things’. Because in His eyes, His reality called the Kingdom of God ! They are already done and paid in full by His son Jesus on the cross !
All the breakthroughs, miracles,blessings and promises Are simply awaiting us and others. I believe the closet part of scripture to describe this is found in Jesus words in John 14:10 ………..Even my words are not my own but come from my Father, for he lives in me and performs his miracles of power through me. This is what is awaiting for you when you enter the kingdom of God ! So the invitation is awaiting for you today ! If you want to enter and are born again ! I believe there is only one more thing to do ! Ask the Father, if you can enter His kingdom.
By saying a prayer like !
Father I ask that you will open up your kingdom to me as your son !
I want to live like Jesus did ! That my every word is not my own, but comes from You, Father. I ask please Father, would You come and live in me. Also perform Your miracles of power through me. For I totally surrender my will, way and thoughts to you today ! May the world no longer see me. But You Father, through Your Son Jesus and what He did for me on the cross amen.
For those your would like to place a seed at the alter or plant a seed finically to the Lord to 2024. Or maybe contribute towards His House, we are currently building. To equip the saints for ministry and release His word in a variety of ways from.
Below is a link so you can do this online.
https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=87bf3759-ef4a-4ae2-ac5d-902b82587e44
Or our bank account details for New Zealand memebers,
Encounter Centre – 03-0481-0007448-000
If you require a receipt for tax purposes please email to info@ecounterministries.org.nz
Craig Patten
Founding Pastor/Prophet
Encounter Centre and Ministries